In a provincial government news release, it was announced that a three-year, $222 million investment would fund to assist in the current opioid crisis.

Dr. Eric Hoskins of Health and Long-term Care and Dr. David Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the investment last week.

“The devastating impact of opioid use disorder and overdose has reached every community in Ontario, and crosses all demographics,” stated Dr. Hoskins.

“Our government has been working closely with partners across the province to combat this urgent issue for more than a year, and we are continuing to strengthen our strategy and increase harm reduction, addiction treatment and other supports.”

The investment will improve access to harm reduction services as well as improving addiction treatment by providing urgent relief.

According to Dr. Dirk Huyer, Ontario Chief Coroner, the provincial government has identified a 19 percent increase of opioid related deaths between 2015 and 2016, with an unfortunate number of 865 deaths.

In addition, the investment will fund the hiring of more front-line, harm-reduction workers; it will fund the expansion of supply of naloxone (a medication used to block effects of opioids); and to fund the creation of new, rapid access addiction clinics.

According to the provincial government, the funding includes:

* More than $15 million to support health-care providers on pain management and opioid prescribing

* More than $7.6 million to increase addictions treatment primary care

* $70 million in long-term support for people with addiction disorders

* $9 million to add more front-line, harm-reduction outreach workers in communities across Ontario

* Starting in 2018/2019, $20 million will be utilized over two years, for specialized support for Indigenous communities and developmentally appropriate care for youth

The Government of Ontario has the tools to fight the crisis, but due to the magnitude of the opioid crisis and the number of deaths related to opioid use, is using more funding to help the provincial emergency.

“We are updating and expanding our strategy as the opioid crisis evolves. By providing local communities with the tools they need, we are equipping them to help each and every Ontarian in a personalized and informed way. Short-term solutions are not enough – we are committed to this journey for the long-term,” explained Dr. Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health.